A group of journalism students from Imo State University say a recent training programme has helped them bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world media practice.
Seventy-seven students from the university’s Department of Journalism and Media Studies participated in a six-day industrial training at OtownGist Media & Creative Hub in Owerri between March and April 2026.
The programme, organised by Harsco Media and led by media professional Chinedu Hardy Nwadike, included sessions facilitated by Chidera Ujah and Harriet Ijeomah. It focused on practical media skills such as video editing, podcasting, news writing, and digital storytelling.
Participants said the training differed from their usual academic experience because of its emphasis on hands-on work rather than theory.
Many students entered the programme expecting to learn basic skills, including video editing and interviewing. However, several said the experience went further by requiring them to apply those skills in real scenarios.
Egenti Ikedi Marvelous said he initially aimed to improve his editing and interviewing skills, but by the end of the programme, he had worked with a team to produce a video project exploring the impact of social media on relationships.
Students were assigned to groups and tasked with producing content both in the studio and in the field. Activities included street interviews, studio recordings, and practical exercises in storytelling and broadcast writing.
Organisers also introduced interactive sessions designed to improve communication and critical thinking. One such activity involved a structured debate, which students said helped them develop confidence in expressing their views.
For many participants, confidence was a key outcome of the training. Chijindu Anita said she joined the programme to improve her public speaking and became more comfortable communicating by the end of the sessions.
Joy Njoku Chidinma described a more personal transformation, noting that she had previously struggled with anxiety and speech difficulties. She said repeated practice and feedback during the training helped her become more confident and expressive.
Students also highlighted the collaborative nature of the programme, noting that working in teams exposed them to the realities of media production.
While the training lasted less than a week, organisers said its aim was to provide practical exposure and help students transition from theoretical learning to active content creation.
Participants said the experience gave them a clearer understanding of the demands of working in the media industry, as well as the skills required to succeed.
